Published: Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 08:16 PM.

Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy has not yet announced his intention to run for a second term — although he is hosting an event today to raise funds for the Committee to Elect B.J. Murphy.

“This is a very common fundraising event, as done by many other office holders throughout the state and country,” he said Tuesday.

“Merry Christmas with the Mayor 2012” will take place today at 6:30 p.m. in Chef & The Farmer. A reception for the guest of honor, N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The cost to attend the fundraiser ranges from $250 for a host to $100 for a couple to $50 per individual, according to the webpage bjmurphy.org/mcm2012, set up on Murphy’s website to promote the event.

Proceeds benefit the Committee to Elect B.J. Murphy. Space is limited, and Murphy encouraged anyone who still wants to attend to visit the event webpage or email him at bj@bjmurphy.org.

The mayor said this year’s “Merry Christmas with the Mayor” will be the third such event he has hosted since being elected in 2009.

His seat will be up for re-election in 2013, as well as those of City Councilmen Robbie Swinson and Bobby Merritt. Candidate filing has not yet begun for municipal elections.

Kinston Mayor B.J. Murphy has not yet announced his intention to run for a second term — although he is hosting an event today to raise funds for the Committee to Elect B.J. Murphy.

“This is a very common fundraising event, as done by many other office holders throughout the state and country,” he said Tuesday.

“Merry Christmas with the Mayor 2012” will take place today at 6:30 p.m. in Chef & The Farmer. A reception for the guest of honor, N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg, will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The cost to attend the fundraiser ranges from $250 for a host to $100 for a couple to $50 per individual, according to the webpage bjmurphy.org/mcm2012, set up on Murphy’s website to promote the event.

Proceeds benefit the Committee to Elect B.J. Murphy. Space is limited, and Murphy encouraged anyone who still wants to attend to visit the event webpage or email him at bj@bjmurphy.org.

The mayor said this year’s “Merry Christmas with the Mayor” will be the third such event he has hosted since being elected in 2009.

His seat will be up for re-election in 2013, as well as those of City Councilmen Robbie Swinson and Bobby Merritt. Candidate filing has not yet begun for municipal elections.

Murphy said the event is being promoted more this year than in the past because of Tillis’ presence.

“Having the speaker of the house in Eastern North Carolina is significant,” Murphy said. “Having the speaker in Kinston is even more significant.”

He added: “We want to make sure the speaker is welcomed, and he understands the issues that not just the municipalities but the residents of Eastern North Carolina are facing.”

David Andersoncan be reached at 252-559-1077 or David.Anderson@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at DavidFreePress.